Tourism committee roots for enhanced collaboration to boost numbers
Business
By
Patrick Vidija
| Aug 21, 2024
The National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife has urged state agencies and stakeholders to collaborate more effectively in marketing Kenya as a top tourist destination.
Led by Chairperson Kareke Mbiuki, the committee said Kenya continues to lose potential tourists to competing African destinations with similar attractions across the country.
During separate meetings with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), Tourism Research Institute (TRI), and Kenya Utalii College the committee emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to increase tourist numbers.
READ MORE
Kenya ready to host African Nations Championship
Why Passaris' Bill on public demos is unconstitutional
TECNO to launch SPARK 40 series as first smartphone powered by Helio G200 chipset
Harambee Stars coach McCarthy defends CHAN squad selection
Kenya Wildlife Service eyes new fees to save wildlife as funding crisis bites
Tax collections rise to Sh 2.571 trillion as KRA exceeds target
AI giant Nvidia becomes first company to reach $4 tn in value
Guatemala earthquakes leave four dead, houses damaged
Climate change made European heatwave up to 4C hotter: study
"As a committee that oversees and allocates funds to the sector, we want to see the tourism agencies working together with all stakeholders to position Kenya as a top tourism destination," stated Mbiuki who is the Member of Parliament for Maara.
The legislator said parliament cannot continue to push for increased funding for the agencies without seeing tangible results.
The committee urged the board to adopt innovative and creative marketing strategies to enhance Kenya's visibility in the global tourism market and expand its focus beyond traditional tourism offerings.
In their responses at the separate sessions, the agency heads expressed concerns about inadequate budgetary allocations, which they said is impeding and hampering their effectiveness and productivity.
Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei told the committee that the institution requires an additional budget of Sh1.4 billion to boost tourist numbers from the current 2 million to 3 million by 2025.
"As a board, we recognise the need to innovate and diversify our offerings. We have come up with strategies to boost our tourism that include embracing medical, halal, sports, and cultural tourism. This will attract more tourists to our country," said Ms Chepkemei.
Utalii College CEO Peter Muindi while making his submission before the committee supported a proposal by the MPs to grant the institution a mandate to certify all tourism and hospitality professionals in the country.
"Making the college a certification institute similar to the Kenya School of Law will not only restore order in the industry but also generate significant income for the institution," said Muindi.